Modern Port Act for Guyana as marine traffic quadruples

Marine traffic in Guyana has quadrupled with rapid growth in the past five years. President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a recent business mixer held by the Shipping Association of Guyana, said he has a legislative plan to meet the demands of this growth.

The President announced major reforms to revolutionise Guyana’s shipping industry, including the introduction of a modern Port Act. Currently, the Shipping Act and the Customs Act, along with other related legislation such as the Transport and Harbours Act governs various aspects of port operations and maritime activities in Guyana.

“We are designing a modern Port Act, this legislation will govern the development, regulation and oversight of port operations in Guyana. We will ensure safety, efficiency and transparency in the maritime sector,” President Ali announced.

Apart from safety and efficiency in the maritime sector, the Head of State said this new legislation will further help to boost Guyana’s competitiveness in the sector.

Central to this initiative is the establishment of an independent Port Authority, which will operate with autonomy to manage regulations and operations in the sector.

“The work to establish an independent port authority is part of this process. The goal is to ensure regulations and operations are managed professionally, independently, and the in the best interest of the country,” the President said.

He further explained that the authority will be supported by legislation aligned with international maritime standards, ensuring Guyana’s readiness to serve as a regional logistics hub.

Highlighting the importance of shipping to the nation’s economy, President Ali described the sector as “central to our survival, prosperity, and future.”

“Few sectors are as indispensable as shipping. It is the bridge between Guyana and the rest of the world,” he said.

But, even though the sector has experienced rapid growth, President Ali noted that the country’s existing infrastructure has struggled to keep up.

“Many vessels have to anchor ashore and wait. This not only increases costs but causes delays.

“You can have all the investment in port facilities, but if you don’t match it with improvements in the productive sector to expand trade, improve competitiveness, and create opportunities, then your ports can become white elephants,” the President said.

To address these challenges, the government will intensify investments in port development over the next five years, including the deepening of the Demerara Harbour. This move, he said, is crucial to accommodate larger modern vessels, reduce shipping costs, and attract international trade to Guyana’s ports.

Significant efforts are already underway, including the removal of wrecks that have obstructed shipping lanes.

“Over the past year, we have spent more than $2 billion to remove wrecks from the Demerara. This has improved navigation safety and improve greater vessel movement, the work is ongoing and more wrecks will be removed as part of our commitment to ensure safe passage for all marine vessels,” President Ali revealed.

President Ali also underscored the need to digitise port systems and improve turnaround times. All of these plans are intended to further position Guyana as a model for the Caribbean in the maritime sector.